On the town

Films for kids: The first NY/SF International Children’s Film Festival begins. Films for ages 3 to 18 and their families are on the bill. [4 to 11 p.m., Embarcadero Center Cinema, 1 Embarcadero Center, S.F.; www.sffs.org]

A great bike ride

Grand Bicycle Parade and Tour de Fat: Pedal to Golden Gate Park in your San Francisco best — top hat, beanie or boa — for a fun and frolicking ride. The route goes through Golden Gate Park and beyond; it’s followed by the Tour, an event that’s part bike rodeo and part circus, with fire-jumping bike acts, cycling games, music, snacks and beer. Proceeds from an optional $5 donation benefit the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. [10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lindley Meadow, Golden Gate Park, S.F., www. sfbike.org]

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market top picks

Artisan ketchup

Arugula

Capricious cheese

Chicken stock

Cucumbers

Elephant garlic

Pawpaws

Princess grapes

Festivities

Blues on Polk: A new free street festival — the weekend-long Polk Street Blues Festival — has arrived. Music, crafts, food and a marketplace are on the bill. [10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Polk Street from Pacific Avenue to Union Street, S.F.]

Beer and cheer: German-flavored music, dancing, food and beer are on tap at the 2010 Oktoberfest by the Bay celebration. Musical headliner: the Chico Bavarian Band. [11 a.m. to midnight, Pier 48, S.F.]

Dance

A great beach

Hidden Perles: Take a ferry to Angel Island, then venture beyond Ayala Cove to Perles Beach, a south-facing slice of sun and sand that sees only a handful of people and boasts an impressive art deco backdrop — San Francisco and the Golden Gate and Bay bridges. To get there, walk or bike ride 1.5 miles along Perimeter Road. There’s no signed trail, just a worn path. [For more about getting outdoors in Nothern California, visit www.WeekendSherpa.com]

Sports and recreation

Paddle races: The San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival returns to Treasure Island. More than 110 dragon-boat teams vie in the event, which also includes crafts, food and culture activities. [8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; www.sfdragonboat.com]

Festivities

Art walk: Forty artists, poets and musicians share their art in shops, studios and cafes during the North Beach ArtWalk. A map is available online. [11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; starts at Live Worms Gallery, 1345 Grant Ave., S.F.; www.thd.org/art/index.html]